Books multiply like bunnies around the Bark editorial office, distracting us from our duties with their beautiful covers, interesting themes and flat-out wonderful writing. Here are some that made it onto our reading list in 2008, as well as a few we’re keeping an eye out for later this year.

Labrador Pact[7], by Matt Haig (Viking, $23.95). Mortality is left to the dogs in this bittersweet story of a canine who gives his all for his family.

The Lost Dog[8], by Michelle de Kretser (Little, Brown, $24.99). A man’s search for his dog in the Australian bush is the framework on which the author hangs a complex tale of relationships, aging and trust.

The New Yorkers[9], by Cathleen Schine (Picador, $14). Set in the microcosmic world of a New York neighborhood and its eccentric citizens; the dogs are the stars of this show.

Wolf Totem[10], by Jiang Rong (Penguin Press, $26.95). Winner of 2007 Man Asian Literary Prize, a fictional take on China’s marginalization and diminishment of Mongolian tribes and the sweeping landscape and animals they honor.

HeartwarmersAlfred’s Nose[16], by Vivienne Flesher (HarperCollins, $16.99). You don’t have to have a French Bulldog (or be a child) to enjoy this charming children’s book about a dog who learns to accept his differences.

Old Dogs: Are the Best Dogs[18], by Gene Weingarten, photographs by Michael S. Williamson (Simon & Schuster, $19.95). A heartfelt and beautifully illustrated collection of venerable canines. In this collection of profiles and photographs, Weingarten and Williamson document the unique appeal of man’s best friend in his or her last, and best, years.

PerspectivesDog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain[19], by Martha Sherrill (Penguin Press, $25.95). Nonagenarian Morie Sawataishi’s life has been measured out in Akitas, the emblematic and noble dogs of Japan who were saved from almost certain extinction following WWII by Sawataishi’s passion and commitment.

For the Love of Animals: The Rise of the Animal Protection Movement[21], by Kathryn Shevelow (Henry Holt, $27.50). In 18th-century England, it really was “hell for horses,” and other animals as well. This accessible book lays out the history of the groups that formed to improve animals’ lot and highlights the people responsible for ushering us into the modern era of animal welfare.

SOS Dog: The Purebred Dog Hobby Re-Examined[23], by Johan and Edith Gallant (Alpine, $19.95). Delves into the world of the purebred dog and where it’s going in terms of the health and best interests of dogs themselves. With a large percentage of all dog breeds plagued by genetic disabilities, the question is, can the damage already done be repaired?

We Give Our Hearts to Dogs to Tear[24], by Alston Chase (Transaction, $34.95). A rare and perceptive book about dogs, people and the land they inhabit; Chase takes on some of the big questions, including a complicated one: What kind of life do we owe our dogs?

What Philosophy Can Tell You about Your Dog[25], edited by Steven D. Hales (Open Court, $14.95). Essays by reflective humans who’ve pondered some of the puzzles of life with dogs. “Provocative, unusual, dog-friendly ideas disguised as philosophy,” according to Jeffrey Masson—we couldn’t agree more!

Pet Food Politics: The Chihuahua in the Coal Mine[27], by Marion Nestle (University of California Press, $18.95). Nestle, author of the best-selling What to Eat, tells us what’s in that bag and can, and what to watch out for; guaranteed to make you think, and perhaps even take action.

Speaking for Spot[28], by Nancy Kay, DVM (Trafalgar Square, $19.95). The ultimate insider’s view of the vet/client relationship, as well as direct, empathetic and absolutely invaluable advice on how to successfully advocate for your dog when illness strikes.

BARK’S WATCH LIST—Coming in 2009The Adopted Dog Bible, edited by Kim Saunders/Petfinder.com (Collins Living, $22.99). Who knows more about caring for adopted dogs than the Petfinder.com folks? Here’s a book that distills all that information between two covers. JANUARY

A Happy Ending for Rescued Dogs, by Michael Aufhauser (teNeues , $19.95) The chronicle of a successful, 20-year German rescue operation. JANUARY

Made for Each Other: The Biology of the Human-Animal Bond, by Meg Daley Olmert (Da Capo, $26) Drawing on the fascinating work of scientists in a wide range of fields, this book explores the lays out both sides of our deep mutual connection. FEBRUARY

The Dog Rules, by Kyra Sundance (Fireside, $24.99) A practical guide to using simple behavior modifications techniques to set boundaries without compromising the relationship. Your dog will thank you! MARCH

One Nation Under Dog: Adventures in the New World of Prozac-Popping Puppies, Dog-Park Politics, and Organic Pet Food, by Michael Schaffer (Henry Holt, $24). A multidimensional look at the connections between how we treat our dogs and the evolution of our ideas about domesticity, consumerism, politics and family. MARCH

Adventures with Ari: A Puppy, a Leash, and Our Year in the Great Outdoors, by Kathryn Miles (Skyhorse Publishing, $24.95) Miles adopted a puppy and got, not only a companion, but an entirely new way of seeing nature when she joins the pup in her unleashed explorations. APRIL

Spott’s Canine Miscellaney, by Mike Darton (Abrams Images, $14.95) A witty grab-bag that includes canine epigraphs, origins of breed names, an international guide to the word “dog,” the world’s oldest dog, dogs who went down with the Titanic and way more. APRIL

DogJoy by The Bark Editors (Rodale, $14.95) Smiling dogs, smiling dogs, a whole book full of smiling dogs, selected by the editors of Bark, who’ve never met a smiler they didn’t like! OCTOBER